Boyana

There are several theories on the etymology of the name Boyana and all somehow refer to the elements of ‘strong’ and ‘noble’. I could not agree more, as having known Boyana Nikolova for over 10 years now, she has always surprised me with her strength, versatile skills and interests. And last but not least – her always smiling and sunny personality.

Once you start reading her debut novel “Survival’ (in Bulgarian “Oцеляване“) you cannot stop until you get to the end – words intricately intertwined, plot – engaging and making you analyze, think and re-think. Past, preset and future – all so engagingly blended. I wish her next books get published soon. 

Boyana Nikolova “Survival”

Wikipedian inside

The more you know a Wikipedian, the less, you realize, you know. I have always been impressed with Vassia Atanassova’s knowledge and passion in various areas, to name a few: Wikipedian, scientist, thinker, traveller …

Vassia is among the most rational people I have ever known and imagine my surprise when I accidentally discovered a blog on irrational basis, called Natural Blogorithm (written in Bulgarian) and it turned out to be hers. Photo courtesy: MyFuture.School

“I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight…” Mary Elizabeth Frye

Professor Nichoritis

The topic of the sacred work of Saints Cyril and Methodius is of interest to many – from academic minds to ordinary people – across countries.

I was delighted to watch on Bulgarian National TV a bunch of prominent  Bulgarian experts and Professor Konstantinos Nichoritis (Department of Balkan, Slavic and Eastern Studies / University of Macedonia – Greece). The 30-minute episodes in Bulgarian can be watched at the following links:

• The miracle of the Saint Brothers in Rome
• Tracking the sacred Bulgarian language
• Who inspired Vasil Levsky for his monk’s name
• Conversation on the topic of the Cyrillic alphabet

Jane

Jane Otima

Some women are amazing, combining successful careers with raising kids by themselves – in Jane’s case 8 – own and adopted.

Jane is also running one the toughest marathons in the world – Safaricom Marathon, Kenya.

The marathon is run at 5,550 ft (1691+ meters above sea level) through wildlife conservancies and it aims to raise funds for numerous community development and wildlife efforts.

Chapeau, Jane! And best of luck!

Actors, books, writers …

The Art Theatre initiative “Famous actors reading contemporary Bulgarian writers” brought the favourite Bulgarian stage and film actress (40+ years on the stage) Tatyana Lolova to Bratislava on 29 January 2019 where she presented Maria Laleva’s book “Life on the Rocks“. Discussing art and life with art people is a very hearty experience. More on the book after I read it.

Tatyana Lolova

Maria Laleva

Dmitry Sherman – art photography

What people who create things of value have in common is their passion for what they do. A small art spot on Panská 17 in Bratislava with an interesting story itself, CT art gallery (the name comes from the “compress time” technique), hosts unique artists.

When was the last time you saw a classic white photography, processed the traditional way? In the period  7 Oct. – 4 Nov. 2018 you may do so at the said gallery and enjoy the art photography of Dmitry Sherman, a graduate of the Moscow Architecture Institute.

Photography. Carpe diem. This very moment. Now … Continuum … Eternity.

If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, art is in the soul of the artist.

More at CT art Gallery’s Facebook Page >>>